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SPF: Jeunesse Global’s Guide on the Most Important Skincare Staple

This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone: Sunscreen isn’t just for summer. We can’t stress enough the importance of SPF and sun protection. That being said, wearing SPF every day can seem like a pain, for so many reasons. Consider these tips and tricks from Jeunesse Global for finding products that provide adequate sunscreen while keeping your everyday application simple.

What is sunscreen?

In its simplest form, sunscreen is a chemical filter that blocks out the sun’s rays and ultraviolet radiation. But there are quite a few aspects of sun protection to consider, including protection from UVA and UVB rays, broad-spectrum protection, chemical versus physical filters and SPF rating.

UVA vs. UVB

Two types of UV radiation from the sun can reach us and penetrate the skin. These are widely known as UVA and UVB. UVA refers to long-wave ultraviolet A rays; UVB refers to the short-wave ultraviolet B rays. But that’s not the only difference to keep in mind. UVA rays penetrate the skin the most and reach the deepest, all the way to our thickest layer of skin, the dermis. Because of this, UVA rays are known mostly for their ability to cause photoaging, or damage from prolonged exposure to sunlight. UVB rays, on the other hand, do not penetrate as deeply and are the cause of most superficial irritation and sunburn.

Broad spectrum and SPF

Because of the harmful effects of both UVA and UVB rays, it’s important to use products that include broad spectrum protection, like the Luminesce Daily Moisturizing Complex from Jeunesse Global. “Broad spectrum” indicates that the protection offered shields against both UVA and UVB rays.

The term SPF (sun protection factor) refers to the amount of time a sunscreen will provide protection from UVB rays, and the number assigned to each SPF indicates how much longer you could expect that protection to last, as compared to going without sunscreen. If you experience the first tell-tale signs of sunburn within 20 minutes of unprotected exposure to the sun, sunscreen products with SPF 30 will help shield you 30 times longer than that, or about 10 hours.

What to look for in a daily SPF

First, consider whether you’re looking for chemical UVA/UVB filters, physical filters or a combination. The different filters include a number of pros and cons. For example, physical filters – also known as mineral sunscreens – don’t just block the harmful rays, they reflect and scatter them so you’re not getting any gaps in protection. Additionally, physical filters tend to be better for sensitive skin types, as they don’t penetrate the skin as deeply. The big “con” with physical filters, though, is that they aren’t the most comfortable to wear. Although formulas are becoming more advanced, some can be thick and gloppy, or leave a white cast on the skin.

Most chemical filters, however, are nonirritating for an array of skin types, and they are more comfortable on a day-to-day basis. Jeunesse Global recommends to try using a chemical sunscreen if you’re not used to wearing a sunscreen every day. Since they sink into the skin much faster and are typically much more lightweight, you’re more likely to adjust to a chemical sunscreen in your routine.

The most important thing about sunscreen, science aside, is to wear it every day. By getting into this habit immediately, you can save your skin from so much damage. Plus, a great morning skin care ritual isn’t complete without one. Sunscreen doesn’t need to be an extra step in your routine if you pick the right products. Simply cleanse your skin with a gel cleanser like the Luminesce Youth Restoring Cleanser from Jeunesse Global, and moisturize with the Luminesce Daily Moisturizing Complex also from Jeunesse. The sun protection is built right into the formula!

BJ is the lead editor of Meical Daily Times. Fluent in French and proficient in Spanish and Arabic, he focuses on diseases and conditions. BJ is a graduate of York University In Toronto. When BJ isn't busy writing his next piece, he can often be found running the streets of the GTA.